You know you've succeeded in living a different lifestyle when your kids ask for a glass of Maggie milk because it came from a cow named Maggie. Life around here can be kind of crazy, but with six kids, two milk cows, and other animals, what do you expect?
Join us as we explore life on the farm, large family homeschooling, real food and frugal living here at Grouse Creek Farm.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Between the Rivers 2014

You've probably wondering why in the world I keep referring to this event called Between the Rivers. And wondering what it is.

Between the Rivers is a gathering put on by a non-profit organization called Bridges to the Past. This organization is"...dedicated to education and preservation of our shared human history through the skills of our ancestors." Pretty neat! The gathering allows people to gather for a few days and learn some of those skills. Classes were offered this year in bow making, flintknapping, fire starting, herbal medicine, felting, bread and cheese making, and many primal topics. Instructors from all around the US came to stay and share their knowledge. My kids are mainly too young to really enjoy the classes yet, though Jayme selected some to take, and spent most of the week down at the creek learning. The rest of us stayed home and ventured down at different times of day to enjoy. My parents helped wheel Owen around and supervise some activities for my little ones. Jeffrey particularly enjoyed the blacksmith forge.

As our children get older, we'll be able to all participate more, which will be fun.

Jeffery's S hook

If you're interested in learning more about this gathering, check out their website. Perhaps you'll even decide to register for the 2015 gathering.

Having lots of campers invade the property for a week is definitely different. Seeing a group of people decide to open your pasture gate and walk through it instead of the road can be annoying. Especially since the pasture didn't actually lead to the gathering space!

But for the most part, we really enjoyed their presence again this year, and people were really respectful of the land. Which we appreciate! And I love that it helps my kids learn to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. That is true socialization!

Meet My Family

Here are the kids at Grouse Creek Farm

Jayme

Our oldest blessing. Jayme is 12, and a huge helper aound the farm. She is in 7th grade, and can often be found with her nose in a good book. Or writing. Or using Scratch to program something. Click her picture to see her first blog.

Owen

Owen, our 8 year old, has Angelman Syndrome--a deletion on the 15th chromosome. He may not speak, but he always has a lot to say.

Jeffrey

Jeffrey is 6. He enjoys being outside, and is our chief egg collector. He started school this year, and loves it!

Ellie

Our 4 year old Ellie is our girly-girl. She loves dressing up and painting her nails. But, being a girly doesn't stop her from being useful and hardworking on the farm. She helps to feed the cows hay, and chases chickens around the yard. She is joining Jeffrey with school activities this year.

Sydney

3 year old Sydney is full of curiosity and energy. She loves life!

Simon

Our 1 year old. Simon is a delight. He loves to chatter and play with cars. He drives them around on his knees and likes to run over toes of anyone in his way! He is also our climber.

About Me

My name is Lisa. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Bryan. Together we have six children, Jayme, Owen, Jeffrey, Ellie, Sydney and Simon.
I enjoy homeschooling our kids, cooking my family real food, and spending time taking care of the day-day farm chores here at Grouse Creek Farm.
We are a Christian family and strive to please the Lord in all that we do.